6-(4-Benzylpiperazin-1-yl)benzodioxanes as selective ligands at cloned primate dopamine D(4) receptors.

A series of novel 6-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)benzodioxanes were prepared and screened at selected dopamine receptor subtypes. 6-(4-[4-Chlorobenzyl]piperazin-1-yl)benzodioxane (2d) had high affinity and selectivity for the D₄ dopamine receptor subtype and was identified as a D₄ antagonist via its attenuation of dopamine-induced GTPγ³⁵S binding at the D₄ receptor.     

Synthesis and antiplatelet activity of ethyl 4-(1-benzyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)benzoate (YD-3) derivatives

Previously, ethyl 4-(1-benzyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)benzoate (YD-3) was identified by us as the first non-peptide protease-activated receptor 4 (PAR4) antagonist. To continue on our development of novel anti-PAR4 agents, YD-3 was used as a lead compound and a series of its derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their selective anti-PAR4 activity. Through structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, we identified the important functional groups contributing to anti-PAR4 activity, and these functional groups were kept intact during subsequent structural modification. Several new compounds with anti-PAR4 activity comparable to YD-3 were identified. Among them, ethyl 4-[1-(3-chlorobenzyl)-1H-indazol-3-yl]benzoate (33) showed the most potent inhibitory effect on PAR4-mediated platelet aggregation, ATP release, and P-selectin expression. On the other hand, ethyl 4-(1-phenyl-1H-indazol-3-yl)benzoate (83) exhibited dual inhibitory effects on PAR4 and thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid. The above findings can be used as guidelines for development of novel antiplatelet drug candidates.     

Dual DAT/sigma1 receptor ligands based on 3-(4-(3-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)amino)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol

Ester analogs of (+/-)3-(4-(3-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)amino)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol were synthesized and evaluated for binding at DAT, SERT, NET, and sigma1 receptors, and compared to GBR 12909 and several known sigma1 receptor ligands. Most of these compounds demonstrated high affinity (K(i)=4.3-51 nM) and selectivity for the DAT among the monoamine transporters. S- and R-1-(4-(3-(bis(4-fluorophenyl)amino)propyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-phenylpropan-2-ol were also prepared wherein modest enantioselectivity was demonstrated at the DAT. However, no enantioselectivity at sigma1 receptors was observed and most of the ester analogs of the more active S-enantiomer showed comparable binding affinities at both DAT and sigma1 receptors with a maximal 16-fold DAT/sigma1 selectivity.     

The discovery of potent antagonists of NPBWR1 (GPR7)

The synthesis and evaluation of small molecule antagonists of the G protein-coupled receptor NPBWR1 (GPR7) are reported for the first time. [4-(5-Chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl][(1S,2S,4R)-4-{[(1R)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino}-2-(thiophen-3-yl)cyclohexyl]methanone (1) emerged as a hit from a high-throughput screen. Examination of substituents that focused on replacing the 5-chloropyridine and 4-methoxybenzylamino groups of 1 led to the identification of compounds that exhibited subnanomolar potencies as low as 660pM (9k) in the functional assay and 200pM in the binding assay (9i).     

N1-arylsulfonyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole derivatives are potent and selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonists

A series of N(1)-arylsulfonyl-3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)indole derivatives was designed and synthesized. These compounds were shown to have high affinity for the 5-HT(6) receptor. Two analogs, 4-[3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1H-indole-1-sulfonyl]-phenylamine 15g and 4-[3-(1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-5-methoxy-1H-indole-1-sulfonyl]-phenylamine 15y, had 0.4 and 3.0 nM affinity, respectively, and antagonized the production of adenylate cyclase at sub-nanomolar concentrations.     

4-Hydroxy-1-[3-(5-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propyl]piperidines: selective h5-HT1D agonists for the treatment of migraine

A series of 4-hydroxy-1-[3-(5-(1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-1H-indol-3-yl)propyl] piperidines was investigated as potential selective h5-HT1D agonists for the treatment of migraine. The 4-[(N-benzyl-N-methyl)amino]methyl analog 12a was found to be a full agonist at the h5-HT1D receptor with good binding selectivity over the h5-HT1B receptor.     

6-(4-Benzylpiperazin-1-yl)benzodioxanes as selective ligands at cloned primate dopamine D4 receptors

A series of novel 6-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)benzodioxanes were prepared and screened at selected dopamine receptor subtypes. 6-(4-[4-Chlorobenzyl]piperazin-1-yl)benzodioxane (2d) had high affinity and selectivity for the D₄ dopamine receptor subtype and was identified as a D₄ antagonist via its attenuation of dopamine-induced GTPγ³⁵S binding at the D₄ receptor.     

Discovery of 2-(4-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (GCC2680) as a potent,selective and orally efficacious cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonist

Structure–activity relationship studies in a series of diarylpyrazolyl thiadiazoles identified cannabinoid-1 receptor antagonists with excellent potency and selectivity. Based on its exceptional in vivo efficacy in animal models and its favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles, 2-(4-((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-5-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-5-tert-butyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (GCC2680) was selected as a preclinical candidate for the treatment of obesity.     

1,3-Dipropyl-8-(1-phenylacetamide-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-xanthine derivatives as highly potent and selective human A(2B) adenosine receptor antagonists

A new series of 1,3-dipropyl-8-(1-phenylacetamide-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-xanthine derivatives has been identified as potent A(2B) adenosine receptor antagonists. The products have been evaluated for their binding affinities for the human A(2B), A(1), A(2A), and A(3) adenosine receptors. N-(4-chloro-phenyl)-2-[3-(2,6-dioxo-1,3-dipropyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-purin-8-yl)-5-methyl-pyrazol-1-yl] (11c) showed a high affinity for the human A(2B) adenosine receptor K(i)=7nM and good selectivity (A(1), A(2A), A(3)/A(2B)>140). Synthesis and SAR of this novel class of compounds is presented herein.     

Quinoxalin-2-carboxamides: synthesis and pharmacological evaluation as serotonin type-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists

A series of quinoxalin-2-carboxamides were designed as per the pharmacophoric requirements of 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists and synthesized by condensing the carboxylic group of quinoxalin-2-carboxylic acid with various amines in the presence of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by physical and spectroscopic data. The carboxamides were evaluated for their 5-HT(3) receptor antagonisms in longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation from guinea pig ileum against 5-HT(3) agonist, 2-methy-5-HT. All the synthesized compounds showed 5-HT(3) receptor antagonism, (4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(quinoxalin-2-yl)methanone was the most potent compound among this series.     

Dual inhibition of monoamine oxidase B and antagonism of the adenosine A(2A) receptor by (E,E)-8-(4-phenylbutadien-1-yl)caffeine analogues

The adenosine A(2A) receptor has emerged as an attractive target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Evidence suggests that antagonists of the A(2A) receptor (A(2A) antagonists) may be neuroprotective and may help to alleviate the symptoms of PD. We have reported recently that several members of the (E)-8-styrylcaffeine class of A(2A) antagonists also are potent inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). Since MAO-B inhibitors are known to possess anti-parkinsonian properties, dual-target-directed drugs that block both MAO-B and A(2A) receptors may have enhanced value in the management of PD. In an attempt to explore this concept further we have prepared three additional classes of C-8 substituted caffeinyl analogues. The 8-phenyl- and 8-benzylcaffeinyl analogues exhibited relatively weak MAO-B inhibition potencies while selected (E,E)-8-(4-phenylbutadien-1-yl)caffeinyl analogues were found to be exceptionally potent reversible MAO-B inhibitors with enzyme-inhibitor dissociation constants (K(i) values) ranging from 17 to 149 nM. Furthermore, these (E,E)-8-(4-phenylbutadien-1-yl)caffeines acted as potent A(2A) antagonists with K(i) values ranging from 59 to 153 nM. We conclude that the (E,E)-8-(4-phenylbutadien-1-yl)caffeines are a promising candidate class of dual-acting compounds.     

Dual neurokinin NK(1)/NK(2) antagonists: N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-arylmethyl-3-(2-oxo-azepan-3-yl)carbamoyl]allyl-N-methyl-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamides and 3-[N'-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl-N-arylmethyl-N'-methylhydrazino]-N-[(R)-2-oxo-azepan-3-yl]propionamides.

Based on the structure of N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-(2-oxoazepan-3-yl)carbamoyl]allyl-N-methyl-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (1), attempts to improve the NK(2) affinity have resulted in the discovery of N-[(R,R)-(E)-1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-3-(2-oxoazepan-3-yl)carbamoyl]allyl-N-methyl-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzamide (9, DNK333) exhibiting a 5-fold improved affinity to the NK(2) receptor in comparison to 1. Simplification of the structure via elimination of a chiral centre led to 3-[N'-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl-N-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-N'-methylhydrazino]-N-[(R)-2-oxo-azepan-3-yl]propionamide (22), a potent and fairly balanced NK(1)/NK(2) antagonist.     

Novel 2-(2-(benzylthio)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)acetic acids: discovery and hit-to-lead evolution of a selective CRTh2 receptor antagonist chemotype

Hit-to-lead evolution of 2-(2-((2-(4-chlorophenoxy)ethyl)thio)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)acetic acid (1), discovered in a high-throughput screening campaign as a novel chemotype of CRTh2 receptor antagonist, is presented. SAR development as well as in vitro and in vivo DMPK properties of selected representatives of substituted 2-(2-(benzylthio)-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)acetic acids are discussed.     

Design and synthesis of novel 3-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-5-(1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridin-2-amine derivatives as selective G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 and -5 inhibitors

G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)-2 and -5 are emerging therapeutic targets for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In our efforts to discover novel small molecules to inhibit GRK-2 and -5, a class of compound based on 3-(benzo[d]oxazol-2-yl)-5-(1-(piperidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyridin-2-amine was identified as a novel hit by high throughput screening campaign. Structural modification of parent benzoxazole scaffolds by introducing substituents on phenyl displayed potent inhibitory activities toward GRK-2 and -5.     

Novel 1-(2-pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazine derivatives as selective monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A inhibitors

In the present study, a new series of 2-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl 4-substituted piperazine-1-carbodithioate derivatives (2a-n) were synthesized and screened for their monoamine oxidase A and B inhibitory activity. The structures of compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods and some physicochemical properties of new compounds were predicted using Molinspiration and MolSoft programs. Compounds 2-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl 4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (2j) and 2-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl 4-benzhydrylpiperazine-1-carbodithioate (2m) exhibited selective MAO-A inhibitory activity with IC_50?=_?23.10, 24.14?µM, respectively. Some of the biological results were found in accordance with the obtained in silico data based on Lipinski’s fule of five.     

Modulators of the human CCR5 receptor. Part 1: Discovery and initial SAR of 1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)-piperidinyl amides and ureas

Investigation of weak screening hits led to the identification of N-alkyl-N-[1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)piperidin-4-yl]-2-phenylacetamides and N-alkyl-N-[1-(3,3-diphenylpropyl)piperidin-4-yl]-N'-benzylureas as potent, selective ligands for the human CCR5 chemokine receptor.     

Discovery of (1R,2R)-N-(4-(6-isopropylpyridin-2-yl)-3-(2-methyl-2H-indazol-5-yl)isothiazol-5-yl)-2-methylcyclopropanecarboxamide,a potent and orally efficacious mGlu5 receptor negative allosteric modulator

A novel series of selective negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) for metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) was discovered from an isothiazole scaffold. One compound of this series, (1R,2R)-N-(4-(6-isopropylpyridin-2-yl)-3-(2-methyl-2H-indazol-5-yl)isothiazol-5-yl)-2-methylcyclopropanecarboxamide (24), demonstrated satisfactory pharmacokinetic properties and, following oral dosing in rats, produced dose-dependent and long-lasting mGlu5 receptor occupancy. Consistent with the hypothesis that blockade of mGlu5 receptors will produce analgesic effects in mammals, compound 24 produced a dose-dependent reduction in paw licking responses in the formalin model of persistent pain.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of indole and benzimidazole piperazines as histamine H(4) receptor antagonists

We describe the structure-activity relationships for a series of ligands structurally related to the recently identified (5-chloro-1H-indol-2-yl)-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-methanone (1) as histamine H(4) receptor (H(4)R) antagonists. Furthermore, we identified related benzimidazoles as novel lead compounds for the H(4)R. The ligands have been evaluated by radioligand displacement studies and functional assays for their interaction with both the human histamine H(3) and H(4) receptors and exhibit pK(i) values up to 7.5 at the human H(4)R.     

Identification of a novel, orally bioavailable histamine H(3) receptor antagonist based on the 4-benzyl-(1H-imidazol-4-yl) template

A novel series of histamine H(3) receptor antagonists, based on the 4-benzyl-(1H-imidazole-4-yl) template, incorporating urea and carbamate linkers has been prepared. Compound 3j is a selective H(3) antagonist and demonstrates excellent oral plasma levels in the rat and monkey.     

Quinoxalin-2-carboxamides: synthesis and pharmacological evaluation as serotonin type-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists

A series of quinoxalin-2-carboxamides were designed as per the pharmacophoric requirements of 5-HT₃ receptor antagonists and synthesized by condensing the carboxylic group of quinoxalin-2-carboxylic acid with various amines in the presence of 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by physical and spectroscopic data. The carboxamides were evaluated for their 5-HT₃ receptor antagonisms in longitudinal muscle-myenteric plexus preparation from guinea pig ileum against 5-HT₃ agonist, 2-methy-5-HT. All the synthesized compounds showed 5-HT₃ receptor antagonism, (4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)(quinoxalin-2-yl)methanone was the most potent compound among this series.